Our host here in Cambodia has helped to start 5 homes for orphans since August 2016. He is also a pastor of a small church and a very talented painter, just such an impressive person overall, with a huge heart for others. He adopted a daughter of his own. He shares a two bedroom apartment with his best friend who helps with all his business and church ventures. This month theyve given one room to my team of 6, and the two guys and the daughter share the other bedroom. They have given us the room with air conditioning, and have been amazing hosts.
We’ve spent most of our ministry time at the orphanages teaching English and having bible study.
I’ve known since I was a child that I wanted to adopt children. My dad’s mother was adopted. My mom’s mother was raised by her sister. I’ve always felt that there are so many children who need a home, I want to help them. The children here in Cambodia are incredibly sweet, special, and beautiful people. I learned a lot today about the government in Cambodia–how difficult it is to find funding to care for these children. I was holding back tears learning that they are given just 1 dollar for food per child from their sponsor, and one dollar for education which is sometimes used for food because it is not enough. The government here does not have ANY funding for children and schools are not funded by taxes whatsoever.
My heart is hurting. Yesterday we visited a village. You would have to see it to understand. The homes are made of almost nothing and barely standing. So many children do not get any education and are nearly starving. It is common for a baby to be thrown in the trash. If someone called the police, no one would come to save that child. It is up to loving people like my host to try and help however they can. But unfortunately the homes he has started cannot take babies because the “parents” at the home have not agreed to be able to care for them. There is no funding when a child is sick. There is no funding in general. And on top of this, the corrupt government wants these homes to pay THEM. Just because they’re not wanting to allow orphanages in general! It is also quite difficult to adopt children from Cambodia and take them to another country because they’ve been trafficked so much in the past.
The stories of the children who live in the homes are tragic. Parents sell them as workers as young as age 9 and they are abused. It is so difficult for them to trust people but you would never know their struggles because they are such beautiful souls.
The children here, no matter their hardships are truly some of the best children. They are respectful and gentle and kind, and they will tell you their story. They are eager to learn English and are thankful. They pray so genuinely, and love for someone to show them kindness. I do not want to leave Cambodia. I love the people. I have literally never seen more beautiful smiles. The people here are amazing. If you’re reading this, please pray for Cambodia.
